Belden acquires Grass Valley

Transmission solutions specialist Belden has submitted a binding offer to purchase privately-held broadcast technologist Grass Valley for $220 million. The binding offer is subject to consultation with Grass Valley’s foreign labour works council, after which Belden will enter into a definitive agreement.

Belden says that when combined with its production, playout and delivery systems integrated solutions unit Miranda, the resulting end-to-end solution will be the most complete and compelling in the industry. Belden announced the planned acquisition alongside its Q4 2013 results.

“We are extremely excited to have Grass Valley join the Belden family. By combining Grass Valley and Miranda, we will create the broadcast industry’s largest and most complete portfolio,” said John Stroup, President and CEO of Belden.

The transaction is expected to close by March 31, 2014 and is subject to regulatory approvals, the completion of audited financial statements, and other customary closing conditions.

“Market demand appears to be stable in the majority of our end-markets. This in combination with the execution of our Market Delivery System should create the catalyst for organic growth and margin expansion. Even after completing the acquisition of Grass Valley, our funnel and balance sheet will remain strong. We are confident that these initiatives position us to perform well, and we remain comfortable with our previously announced earnings outlook for 2014,” said Stroup.

In January 1 2011 Francisco Partners, a technology-focused investment company, completed the closing process with Technicolor and finalised the acquisition of the Grass Valley Broadcast and Professional business. The sale was agreed July 26 2010 by then owner Technicolor, and was described as “a key step” in the largest of the disposals it had decided to make as part of the strategic refocus of its activity portfolio.